Dublin extravaganza proves massive hit with bike fans

Lindsey Adams, from Antrim, chats to John McGuinness at the RDS bike show. Picture: Roy Adams.

But go I did, and glad I was. The Carol Nash Insurance backed three day long event in Dublins RDS Halls was brilliant entertainment, and lacked for nothing.

The custom bikes had their show, while the classic lads had a hall to themselves, and very popular it was, with some absolutely beautiful beautifully restored and a few completely original machines on display.

I must admit that custom bikes are not my idea of a motorcycle, but I have, by the same token, to admit that some of the bikes were complete works of art. The amount of work, engineering and planning that must have gone into some of them is amazing. There was even one that was a steam engine based bike. The paintwork was, for the most part, out of this world.

John McGuinness was absolutely fantastic. He spent the day chatting to kids and adults alike, as well as posing for photos, signing autographs and anything else he was asked.

A true gentleman. Did I mention drinking Guinness? He tried that as well.

I had a chat with Derek McGee, who has signed with Wilson Craig for this season.

Derek will have three bikes at his disposal, and is already fired up for his first North West and the TT.

TRIALS RESULTS

The Lisburn and District Spring Trial was held last weekend. Harold McQuaid ran out as a comfortable overall winner in the Expert Elite class. His score of 33 was 64 better than that of Jonny Lunney. Chris Brown was third on 108.

Stuart Hanlon took the honours in the Expert division. He was just 3 marks better than the 63 of Ballymena man William Dickey, while Robert McCrory was third, going down 66. Former multiple Irish and Ulster champion Phillip Hanlon took the overall win in the Semi Expert category. Phil dropped just 10 marks, while his nearest challenger Matt Millar went down 13. Chris Heenan was third on 31.

Roy Adams